Star ratings are an important measurement of quality at Uber and other on-demand driving apps. You start out as a 5-star Uber driver, and then it’s up to you to maintain your score.

Riders may cancel the trip if they see you have a poor rating, and in the worst case, consistent bad ratings may lead to deactivation. In other words, your job as an on-demand driver depends on the quality of the services you provide.

How to maintain your 5-star Uber driver rating?

Your rating can slip for a number of reasons, but it’s best to prevent it. Once you get a couple of bad ratings it’s tough to climb back up, but far from impossible.

Our mission is to help you drive to thrive. We prepared a guide with seven tips to maintain a five-star Uber rating:

1. Have a smooth ride

One of the most important factors to becoming a 5-star Uber driver is the quality of your car. Most passengers switched from taxis to Uber for the experience. Passengers prefer SUVs and larger sedans, as they have ample room in the back seat and more than enough boot space for airport trips. New cars will always earn more 5-star ratings than older cars.

Need a new Uber car? Have a look at our offer for car subscription plans and choose from the best Uber cars available now.

2. Keep it clean

Keeping your car clean and well-maintained is another important factor in maximising your 5-star Uber ratings. Avoid eating in your car and remove any rubbish that is lying around. Remember, first impressions count.

3. Go the extra mile

From bottled water to mints, mobile chargers for both Apple and Android devices, and an AUX cord for passengers to become the DJ, the thoughtful extras always help you earn 5 stars with Uber every time.

4. At your service!

Gestures like opening doors, helping passengers with their luggage and having an umbrella handy to escort passengers from your car when it is raining will boost your Uber rating dramatically.

5. Street knowledge

Start your trip by asking the passenger if they have a preferred route. If they don’t have one, ask if they’re happy with the route suggested by the satnav.

The Uber Driver app has a map functionality built in, but most drivers recommend Waze as it uses real-time data that helps you avoid an unexpected traffic jam. By arriving on time, you’ll keep your passengers happy and maintain your 5-star Uber driver rating.

6. Become a tour guide

Knowing what events are on in your local area is a great way to start a conversation and to build a relationship with your passengers, especially if they’re tourists.

7. Be creative and have some fun

Dressing up your car for big events adds to the experience. From cultural celebrations to sporting events or just the weekend nights, use your creative flare and have fun on the road. If you’re having fun, your passengers will pick up the vibe.

How can Splend help you become a 5-star Uber driver?

At Splend, we provide the complete service to make sure you’re more profitable, safer and happier. As a result, Splend customers enjoy Uber ratings and earnings well above the average. Here are two ways we can help:

New-model cars

You drive a new-model, Uber-compliant car that’s 5-star Euro NCAP rated. The car is yours 24/7 to drive for on-demand driving and personal use. You, your friends, your family, and most importantly, your passengers will love the quality of your car.

Dedicated support

Your dedicated Customer Specialist provides you with coaching, training and mentoring. They will make sure you know all the latest Uber tips and tricks and keep track of your performance to let you know if there’s something you can improve.

About Splend

We enable people to make money by driving. Our vision is a future where every on-demand driver can be successful.

We’re car subscription specialists. We can help you get started as an on-demand driver, and set you up with a brand-new or new-model car on our Flexi or Flexi own plans. We also provide the training and support you need to become a more profitable, safer, fulfilled driver.

Drop by our London Hub at 393 Edgware Road Cricklewood, Londonemail us, or say hello on 0333 016 4331